The life of a koi farmer and dealer is a demanding yet deeply rewarding journey, build on a foundation of passion, precision, and perseverance. From sourcing koi in Japan to caring for them on the farm and showcasing them at events, every day brings a mix of challenges and triumphs. Though the work is rigorous, the joy of connecting people with living jewels that bring beauty and serenity into their lives makes it all worthwhile.
Sourcing Koi: The Art of Selection
Every successful koi business begins with sourcing exceptional fish. That pursuit of quality always leads back to Japan—the birthplace of koi. Unlike large-scale operations that prioritize volume, boutique dealers take a more selective approach, offering a carefully curated collection each year. This ensures that every fish receives meticulous care while allowing clients to choose from koi of exceptional quality and beauty.
The annual koi hunt begins in early January with a month-long journey across Japan. From the snow-covered hills of Ojiya in Niigata to the mild waters of Hiroshima, each region is home to legendary breeders specializing in distinct varieties. The process is as thrilling as it is meticulous. We visit dozens of farms, inspecting hundreds of tanks, and hand-selecting koi that meet both personal standards and customer preferences.
More than just a buying trip, this sourcing adventure is about matching the right fish to the right home. Whether selecting koi destined for competition ponds, backyard water gardens, or shows, the goal is always the same: to provide customers with koi that inspire pride and joy.
Farm Life: Long Hours, Lasting Rewards
Life on a koi farm is intense and immersive, driven by consistency and care. The days are long, typically starting around 5 a.m. and winding down around 7 p.m., with little downtime. There are no days off—not for weekends or holidays—because koi care is a 24/7 responsibility. Yet, for those who love the work, the long hours feel less like a burden and more like a commitment to the well-being of the fish.
Feeding is the first priority each morning, and it varies with the seasons. During the summer months, koi are fed 8 to 12 times a day to promote growth and enhance their body volume. In the winter, when their metabolism slows, feedings are reduced to 4 to 6 times daily. The type and quantity of food is tailored based to the koi’s age, size, and conditioning needs. Some tanks receive custom-prepared meals to optimize health.
Water quality management is another cornerstone of daily farm life. Feeding koi heavily creates waste, which means regular water changes are essential. To maintain optical conditions on average, we replace 25% to 40% of the water in each tank daily. This process removes excess nutrients, waste, and ammonia, preventing harmful bacteria and ensuring the fish remain healthy and vibrant.
Routine health checks are also vital. Each week, we scrape and inspect roughly 10% of the koi in each tank for parasites or early signs of illness. If any issues are detected, the entire tank is treated. Sales are temporarily paused until the koi are fully recovered. This proactive care ensures that customers always receive healthy, high-quality fish.
Though the daily grind can be physically demanding and sometimes exhausting, the farm is also a place of peace and satisfaction. Seeing koi thrive, grow, and eventually bring joy to their new owners makes the hard work deeply fulfilling.
On the Road: Sharing the Passion at Koi Shows
The koi business extends far beyond the farm—it also means hitting the road to attend koi shows across the country. There we share our passion for these living works of art with enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Show season kicks off in early March, but the preparation begins months in advance. We hand-select koi destined for competition or sale as early as November and condition them to ensure they are in peak form. The days leading up to the shows involve meticulous planning—coordinating booth sponsorships, booking flights, and organizing accommodations.
For West Coast shows, the logistics become even more complex. To reduce stress during transport, we fast koi before shipment, lowering their ammonia output and making travel easier on the fish. On shipping day, the farm buzzes with activity as koi are carefully packed for their journey. The team works with airlines to secure direct routes and minimize travel time, ensuring the koi arrive safely.
Traveling alongside the koi is essential. By catching the first flight out, dealers meet their fish upon arrival. We oversee the unloading process, and quickly acclimate the koi to their new tanks. Once the display is set, the real fun begins. We love interacting with koi enthusiasts, sharing knowledge, and helping clients find their perfect fish.
While shows are physically demanding and fast-paced, they offer an incredible opportunity to connect with the community, celebrate the beauty of koi, and see firsthand the excitement these fish bring to their new owners.
Personalized Sales: In-Person and Online Experiences
While koi shows offer valuable exposure, on-farm and online sales are equally vital. For local clients, by-appointment farm visits create a more intimate buying experience. Customers can hand-pick their koi in a relaxed setting, receiving personalized guidance on selection, pond conditions, and koi care.
For remote clients, online sales provide accessibility without compromise. High-quality images and detailed descriptions showcase each koi’s unique features, allowing buyers to make informed decisions. Each shipment is carefully prepared, with oxygenated bags and insulated boxes ensuring the fish remain healthy and stress-free during transport. Real-time tracking offers clients peace of mind as they await their new koi.
Whether in person or online, the emphasis is always on exceptional service and helping customers find koi they will cherish for years to come.
The Joy and Reality of the Koi Business
There’s no sugarcoating it—being a koi farmer and dealer is hard work. The long days, constant care, and year-round demands can be physically and mentally draining. There are no breaks for holidays or weekends. Even during festive seasons, while others relax, koi farmers remain dedicated—feeding, monitoring water quality, and ensuring the fish thrive.
But despite the intensity, the rewards are profound. Seeing the spark of joy in a customer’s eyes when they find their dream koi or hearing about how their pond has been transformed makes every long day worth it.
This is more than a job—it’s a lifestyle driven by passion. It’s about bringing beauty, serenity, and artistry into people’s lives through koi. Whether hand-selecting fish in Japan, caring for them on the farm, or showcasing them at events, every moment offers a chance to share that passion with others.
At the heart of it all, being a koi farmer and dealer is about creating connections—between people, nature, and the timeless beauty of koi. And for those willing to put in the work, the rewards are not only measured in successful sales but also in the enduring relationships and shared love for these remarkable fish.
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About the Author
Marlon Ngo is the president and owner of Tri-Star Koi LLC in Tennesse. He has been passionate about koi since age 12. While studying cellular and molecular biology with aspirations in dentistry, he shifted his career to focus on Japanese imported koi. Starting koi sales in college, he built his business into a top provider of award-winning koi. Dedicated to their care and welfare, Marlon actively shares his expertise at shows and seminars, fostering a thriving koi community.
